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With heritage that is as longstanding as their foundations, country houses are full of interesting facts and deserve our admiration for continuing to evolve with the times. Here are five things you might not know about Wroxall Abbey.

400 Years of Religion

Sir Hugh de Hatton built the estate in 1141. Home to an order of Benedictine nuns for 400 years, the Priory regrettably met its dissolution alongside many others during the reign of Henry VIII in 1536. That same year saw the end of the Shakespeare family’s involvement with the Priory and Wroxall.

Rebuilt

In 1861 James Dugdale of Liverpool demolished the house and rebuilt a new one, just to the west of the ruins you can still see today.

Renowned architect ownership

The architect of St Paul’s Cathedral, Sir Christopher Wren, was once the proud owner of Wroxall Abbey. His wife was laid to rest in Wren’s Cathedral.

A school for girls

From 1936 until 1995, the house was used as a girl’s school titled Wroxall Abbey School for Girls. With approximately 150 students the 9 to 18-year-olds either boarded full-time or attended by day.

A tale etched in glass

The beautiful yet imposing stained glass window that can be seen part way up the red staircase depicts the legend of St Leonard.